Gerard Brown
His martial arts journey spans decades and multiple systems. He earned his 4th Degree Black Belt in USJA Jujitsu, his 2nd Degree Black Belt in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, a Black Belt in Kodokan Judo, and his MCMAP Black Belt through the United States Marine Corps. Most recently, he earned his Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under 4th Degree Professor Ben Rhodes — one of the most respected lineages in the art.
Beyond his black belt credentials, Professor Brown holds instructor-level certifications that very few civilian martial arts instructors achieve. As a certified Use of Force Instructor through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) and a Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA), his standards for practical self-defense are set by the same benchmarks used to train law enforcement professionals.
His additional certifications include Gracie Survival Tactics (GST) Levels 1 & 2, Krav Maga Level 1 Instructor, Effective Fitness Combatives (EFC) Instructor, ASP Baton & Restraint Instructor, and NRA Certified Pistol Instructor — a breadth of training that makes Black Flag Training Group one of the most comprehensively credentialed academies in South Carolina.
Professor Brown founded Black Flag Training Group with a single mission: to bring the same level of training available to military and law enforcement professionals to the people of Columbia, SC — proving that real self-defense, real jiu-jitsu, and real fitness don't require a badge or a uniform.
Professor Gerard Brown didn't learn martial arts in a comfortable gym. He forged his skills in two military branches — the United States Marine Corps, where he served in Security Forces and Infantry, and the United States Navy — carrying those disciplines through active duty and into one of the most demanding instructor roles in South Carolina.
Five Black Belts. Five Systems.
*Also ranked: Brown Belt — Okinawan Nahate Kenpo & Kobudo
Train Under One of South Carolina's Most Credentialed Instructors!
